Our visit to the historic city of Poitiers Full of alluring French charm

Our visit to the historic city of Poitiers

Full of alluring French charm

Bright orange nasturtium flowers against dark green, white-veined leaves

👇️ Gardening tip 👇️

Did you know, planting nasturtiums near your vegetables is a wildlife-friendly way of controlling pests, as they will attract aphids away from your crops. They can help suppress weeds by covering the soil, and even produce a better crop by attracting pollinators.

The hashtag sisteron sign in front of the medieval stone devil's watch town in the alpes-de-haute-provence region of france

The impressive Rocher de la Baume rock formation on the edge of Sisteron in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region of France

The majestic Sisteron Citadel in Provence, France, stands perched atop a dramatic rocky cliff, overlooking the historic town and the Durance River flowing below a classic stone arch bridge. This iconic French landmark, with its ancient fortifications clearly visible against a bright blue sky dotted with clouds, offers a breathtaking view of hidden Provence.

A vibrant roundabout in Sisteron, France, features a stunning floral display with trees topped by large globes of red and pink flowers, all set against a backdrop of historic town buildings and a distant rocky mountain. The scene is captured under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds, with a street and parked cars visible around the roundabout.

Did you catch our video on the medieval town of #Sisteron is on the banks of the River Durance, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. The narrow lanes are a joy to explore; however, the star has to be the magnificent Rocher de la Baume #ExploreFranceEN #lifefrance #UK_FranceFR buff.ly/Rz6FNFD

Picture perfect Bruges The best Bruges photo spots for photographers and visitors alike, from canals to historic monuments and other photogenic spots.

Bruges is a gorgeous medieval town in Belgium that’s a dream for photography enthusiasts. Here’s a sightseeing route along the town’s highlights and my favourite photo spots: velvetescape.com/picture-perf...

#Bruges #Belgium #travel #traveladdicts

The view of the cathedral-basilica of our lady of the pillar in zaragoza as seen from the puente de piedra

the mudéjar exterior of the aljafería palace as seen from across the moat in zaragoza, spain

An obelisk in the centre of a fountain in Plaza Santo Domingo with the the Teatro del Mercado in the background

the bola del mundo (spanish for "ball of the world") is a large, spherical sculpture located in the plaza del pilar in zaragoza, spain. it is a 3-meter-diameter (10-foot) globe made of concrete with a relief map of the continents.

The first overnight stop on our Spanish road trip a few years ago was to the historic city of Zaragoza in Aragon. Discover its incredible mix of architecture, Roman, Mudejar and the stunning riverside Cathedral-Basilica #Visit_Zaragoza #Spain #Spain_inUK buff.ly/LKQhD54

A narrow street in Provins, Île-de-France, France, curves gently to the right, showcasing a mix of architectural styles. The buildings along the street feature half-timbered designs and stone facades, with decorative flags strung across the street overhead. A shop with red doors, "Le Glacier des Remparts," is visible on the right.

A long, stone medieval wall stretches across the frame, with a dirt path running alongside it, under a cloudy sky in Provins, Île-de-France, France. The wall features a round tower at one end and crenellations along its length, with green trees visible in the distance.

A medieval stone gate, known as Porte Saint-Jean, stands prominently in the center of the frame in Provins, Île-de-France, France, under a cloudy sky. The gate features a large arched entrance leading into the town, with two round towers flanking the sides, and a cobblestone path extending through the archway.

A wide shot of an outdoor cafe in Provins, Île-de-France, France. Several round tables with cream-colored umbrellas provide shade for patrons seated at the cafe.

The UNESCO town of Provins is a beautiful place to visit in France, famed for its Medieval trade fairs during the 12th & 13th centuries. Many of its original ramparts & timber-framed residential buildings in the Upper Town remain #ExploreFranceEN #lifefrance
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a view of national trusts mottisfont house in hampshire from across the front lawn

A walled garden at the national trust mottisfont house in hampshire

A white wooden garden door stands slightly ajar in a weathered brick wall at Mottisfont House and Gardens. The doorway frames a view of a gravel path leading into a lush garden with trees and a bench.

A dimly lit room at Mottisfont House features a series of stone arches supported by cylindrical columns, creating a vaulted ceiling. The room has a brick floor and weathered stone walls, with a hint of warm light illuminating the space.

The charming National Trust site of Mottisfont is located within the lush countryside of Hampshire. Discover the 18th century neo-classical house and the fragrant & enchanting walled gardens. #MottisfontNT #NationalTrust
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Things to see in Gravina in Puglia Gravina in Puglia is an ancient town in southern Italy that's relatively unknown. Here are things to see in Gravina in Puglia.

I learned about Gravina in Puglia after watching the last James Bond movie and planned a visit there. I found an absolutely beautiful town with ancient monuments, cave restaurants and amazing food. Learn more: velvetescape.com/things-to-se...

#traveladdicts #Puglia #travel #Italy

Amiens Cathedral from the Place du Don with the River Somme in the foreground

The quayside in the centre of amiens, france, at dusk, with restaurants lining one side

A detailed picture of an allied soldier from the first world war on a building on Amiens on the river Somme.

A monument to Jules Verne featuring his bust atop a plinth surrounded by a family reading his novels in Amiens, Normandy

Amiens, the capital of Picardy, sits along the Somme River. Have you considered the historic home of one Jules Verne to add to your French Road trip? No, why not? #Travel #ExploreFranceEN #lifefrance buff.ly/q7ogwkq

Ten things to do in Seville Sevilla (or Seville) is a historic city in southern Spain. Here are ideas for things to do in Seville for the first-time visitor.

Things to see and do in Sevilla for the first-time visitor: velvetescape.com/things-to-do...

#Sevilla #Spain #travel #traveladdicts

The town of Torbole, vibrantly coloured buildings with the mountains in the background. A visit and road trip around Lake Garda Italy

Touring around the perimeter of Lake Garda, Italy with mountains beyond.

The little Harbour at Limone-sul-Garda. Boats bobbing in the harbour with stunning snow peaked mountains behind. Lakes Garda, Italy

Looking across a wide canal in Sirmione, Lake Garda. Powerboats are moored up, and on the far side, a large two storey brick building dominates the view.

Do you fancy a road trip around the shores of Lake Garda this year? Then, take a peek at our video to see where you could visit. Fire up the tunes of Dean Martin and enjoy the wind breezing through your hair #Italia_UK #Italia
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Our visit to the historic spa town of Harrogate 📍 Harrogate, Yorkshire 🇬🇧 | Elegant Spa Town, Gardens & Historic Streets Welcome to the historic spa town of Harrogate, the final stop on our Yorkshire road trip through the north of…

The final destination of our Yorkshire Road trip has landed. Quite different from our previous destinations, we set out to explore Harrogate

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Ahh thanks for the comment, i'll pass on your praise to my husband. Lake Kariba is a magical place to visit and incredible experience. I just love hippos.

Exploring Toulouse, the 'Pink City' of France Toulouse, the 'Pink City' of southern France is a delight to visit. Here are the top things to see in Toulouse on a self-guided walking tour.

Toulouse, the ‘pink city’ of France, is a delight to explore. From colourful streets bursting with charm to beautiful UNESCO World Heritage sites, there’s lots to see and do. Check out my #Toulouse guide: velvetescape.com/things-to-se...

#France #travel #traveladdicts #travelbloggerscommunity

The two-storey boma, an open-air gathering place with a thatched room. The Boma is free standing in a small clearing in a wooded area.

Sunset on Lake Kariba between the petrified trees that mark this amazing landscape.

A pod of hippo's, predominantly submerged under the water, at an inlet on Lake Kariba at dusk as the sun goes down

The safari lodge, under a full African night sky.

A few years ago, we were in #Zimbabwe. One of the highlights was our stay on the edges of the beautiful #LakeKariba in the #Matusadona NP. It's one of those life affirming experiences - breath-taking @TourismZimbabwe #VisitZimbabwe #AWorldOfWonders buff.ly/Sl0B3A7

The town of Victoria Falls in #Zimbabwe has the world's largest #waterfalls with the world's largest sheet of falling water. But there is much more to see and do.
Here are the 3 best things to do in Victoria Falls:
#Travel #BUCKETLIST #TravelBlog backpackandsnorkel.c...

Petworth house, grand architecture and rich heritage. A key attraction among National Trust properties, it offers visitors a glimpse into historic England and stunning landscaped gardens.

This traditional shepherd's hut at Petworth House and Gardens in West Sussex adds rustic charm to the estate’s countryside landscape. Set against lush greenery, the vintage structure reflects the rural heritage preserved by the National Trust in this historic English setting.

A flock of geese gathers along the tranquil banks of the Upper Pond at Petworth Park in West Sussex, surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful countryside. This serene National Trust setting offers a perfect glimpse of England’s historic landscapes and wildlife-rich parklands

A classical rotunda with weathered columns stands atop a wildflower-covered slope in the gardens of Petworth House, West Sussex. Surrounded by lush trees and under a clear blue sky, this Italian-inspired structure is a scenic highlight of this National Trust property and a must-see for visitors exploring historic England.

Petworth House in West Sussex is a grand 17th-century country manor house and has remained a Percy family home for over 900 years. If you love art, particularly by Turner or Gainsborough, you’ll adore Petworth #NationalTrust #PetworthNT buff.ly/B1L4ai1

The fountain, acting as a roundabout in the centre of Arbois. Bunting leads from all corners of the square to meet at the fountain.

an idylic rural french scene as the cuisance river flows over some rocks as it makes its way past stone built rustic homes in arbois in the jura region of france

A bubbling pot of cheese fondue served in a cast-iron saucepan over a low heat.

A bright coloured graphic art portrait of the french biologist Lois Pasteur.

The lovely town of #Arbois in the #Jura region of France is a stunning place to visit. Rolling vineyards, charming squares and the historic home of Louis Pasteur. Here you’ll discover the local tipple, Vin Jaune #ExploreFranceEN #lifefrance #ExploreFrance buff.ly/BwNigzU

It's a beautiful region of France and so much to explore. Fingers crossed you return again soon.

The white painted Town Hall and the Woolpack hotel on the High Street with the tower of Saint Mildred's church in the background.

The Street in Chilham, Kent with its pretty half-timbered buildings

The white weatherboarded 18th-century Farningham Mill in Farningham, Kent

Fen pond road runs through the centre of Ightham, with the old village shop and the George and Dragon pub lining the street

Did you catch our post on the delightful villages & towns in Kent? This is part 4, as there are so many beautiful places to discover around the Garden of England, you’ll be spoilt for choice @VisitEngland buff.ly/kgqKNsI

Our visit to Treasurer’s House in York An elegant house captured in time

Our visit to Treasurer’s House in York

An elegant house captured in time

A rail odyssey across southern Germany This 8-day southern Germany rail tour itinerary starts in Freiburg, in the Black Forest, and ends in Würzburg, in the heart of Franconia.

NEW on the blog: An amazing rail trip across southern Germany from Freiburg to Würzburg: velvetescape.com/southern-ger...

#Germany #travel #traveladdicts #travelbloggerscommunity

History and nature: A Northern Germany road trip This northern Germany road trip from Hamburg to Berlin covers vibrant cities, medieval towns, beaches and forest reserves.

This road trip across northern Germany, from Hamburg to Berlin, is perfect for those seeking culture, history and nature: velvetescape.com/northern-ger...

#Germany #roadtrip #travel #traveladdicts

The green lawn in front of the Sissinghurst Castle’s turreted tower at Sissinghurst Castle Garden

The Elizabethan Priest’s House in the corner of the Mediterranean Delos Garden at Sissinghurst Castle Garden

A view from Sissinghurst Castle tower to the oast houses & Elizabethan barn in the estate grounds

The red-brick front of the manor house of Sissinghurst Castle, Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent, England

If you’re longing for a beautiful spring day at a historic walled garden in bloom, we recommend Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Kent. Managed by National Trust, this charming English garden is stunning, Did you catch our video? #SissinghurstNT #NationalTrust buff.ly/bGdT3mi

A delightful day in Pézenas Pézenas is a historic town in southern France that offers history, culture and cuisine in a lovely French ambiance. Here are things to do in Pezenas.

A delightful day in Pézenas, a beautiful town in the Hérault region of southern France: velvetescape.com/things-to-do...

#France #travel #traveladdicts

A stone fountain in the centre of Praca da Republica, Viana do Castelo, Portugal

A lit square after dark in Guimarães, Portugal where diners sit at restaurants lining the square and others walkthrough the historical old town.

St. Anton's church at one end of the Praça do Giraldo at dusk under a blue sky in Évora, Portugal

The view of the church 'Igreja de São Gonçalo' in Amarante, Portugal

We loved touring #Portugal and can’t wait to return. We visited some beautiful towns and villages and have started making a list for our next adventure; here are a few that we especially enjoyed exploring #visitportugal
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It's so touching to wander around and extremely important that these memorials are kept and visited.

A wide street lined with ruined buildings shows the main route through Oradour-sur-Glane, France. Preserved as a World War II memorial, the village remains frozen in time after its destruction in June 1944.

A rusted wreck of a vintage car sits abandoned in the ruins of Oradour-sur-Glane, France, a haunting memorial village preserved after the WWII massacre. The corroded metal bodywork and collapsed frame symbolise the tragic history of this must-visit wartime site in the Haute-Vienne region.

A personal family memorial in Oradour-sur-Glane featuring a sewing machine and photographs, symbolising the lives lost during the massacre. This poignant tribute highlights the everyday people whose stories are remembered in the preserved ruins of the village.

The ruins of the old Saint-Martin Church in Oradour-sur-Glane, framed by a large tree and surrounded by the remains of the destroyed village. This haunting historic landmark is one of the most moving places to visit in Oradour-sur-Glane, France.

On 10th June 1944, four days after D-Day, 643 inhabitants of the village of Oradour-sur-Glane were massacred by the 2nd SS Das Reich division. The touching town stands as a memorial & a museum for those who horrifically lost their lives #ExploreFranceEN #lifefrance #ExploreFrance buff.ly/qeJwmU8

The partial ruins of nymans house in west sussex, as seen from the lawn in late spring

A smattering of purple alliums withing the circular sunken garden in front of a stone loggia at nymans house and gardens in west sussex

Purple flowering wisteria covering the sage coloured wooden hut that house the second-hand book store at nymans in west sussex

The view of the national trust nymans country house from the forecourt garden in west sussex, england

Have you visited the enchanting house & gardens of Nymans, an #NationalTrust site in West Sussex? When visiting Nymans, you’ll enjoy the rich history of the Messel family home and wend your way around the exquisite, captivating gardens #NymansNT
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The view of the 17th-century Guildhall in the centre of Market Place in Faversham in Kent

The old brick Oyster Bay House on Standard Quay in Faversham, Kent

Looking up at the historic 14th-century pub Sun Inn pub on West Street, Faversham

An antique store in the Medieval Monk’s Granary at the Standard Quay, Faversham, Kent

We love places that sit just below the radar. Take #Faversham in #Kent. Heard of it? This delightful market town has plenty of charm & is home to Britain's oldest brewery @ShepherdNeame. Why not discover a little more? @Visit_Swale #VisitSwale
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